Former rugby league international Israel Folau has set his sights on turning out against the 2013 British & Irish Lions next summer, on the day his cross-code switch to the Waratahs was confirmed.

Folau had previously turned out in Australia's National Rugby League for the Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos but announced a high profile switch to the AFL in June 2010. He turned out for the Greater Western Sydney Giants and had been linked with a switch back to the NRL to play for the Parramatta Eels but with contract talks floundering, the Waratahs pounced.

He was unveiled on Tuesday as the last piece in the Waratahs' 30-man jigsaw for the 2013 Super Rugby season and although he is yet to train with his new side, he has already set his sights on turning out against the Lions next summer.

The Waratahs play the touring side on June 15, 2013, while the Wallabies have three Tests teed up against Warren Gatland's men and Folau wants to face the famous team at some stage.

''A British Lions tour doesn't come around very often, so when it does it is a massive occasion, and for me, if I am involved in playing those games, it would be exciting,'' Folau told reporters. ''It is definitely at the top of the list to want to play for your country but that comes afterwards, because I want to focus on playing good footy for the Waratahs first.''